UTAPS Stories

UTAPS' staff deliver excellent service to our customers through new technologies, clean air programs, and outreach. Lean more about how UTAPS is working to continually improve services to the campus community below:

UTAPS Improves Customer Service with the Launch of paybyphone!

Sacramento State’s newly implemented PayByPhone mobile payment service means that customers with smartphones no longer have to wait in line to buy machine-issued daily parking permits.

“It’s the easiest way to get to class on time,” says Gina Lombardo, Director of Transportation and Parking Administration for UTAPS (University Transportation & Parking Services).

PayByPhone works on iPhone, Blackberry and Android devices. When customers sign up online at www.paybyphone.com or by downloading the free phone app, users will supply their car's license plate number and credit card information. Once on campus, users simply park in a student-designated space, launch the app, enter Sac State’s PayByPhone location number – 5115 – and their desired parking duration.

Customers without a smartphone can use the service by calling PayByPhone’s toll-free number, (866) 234-7275. “If you have a meeting and are running late, or you lose track of time, or a class is running longer than expected,” says Lombardo, “you’ll get a text five minutes before your permit expires, and you can add time from your phone and avoid a $43 citation. It’s the coolest thing.”

Sac State Grad and UTAPS Parking Officer Pens Mystery for Youngsters

Moses Jones is forever losing things, and when he couldn't find a shoe, he retraced his steps to search for it. At the grocery store, for instance, he "foraged through the frozen foods," "probed through the produce section," "dared dangers in the deli" and "bumbled through the bakery." And at the music store, he "sorted through the saxophones" and "dismantled the drums."

He finally found the shoe in his own refrigerator.

Moses Jones and the Case of the Missing Sneaker is the first children's book written and illustrated by Sacramento State grad student N.T. McQueen, 28, who also works as a campus parking-enforcement officer for University Transportation & Parking Services.

"I'm sure people find that most things they've misplaced turn up in the most random spots," says McQueen. "I have two little kids, so we lose things very often that end up in weird places, like inside our shoes." Read More

UTAPS Celebrates Clean Air Month

In celebration of Clean Air Month, Sacramento State hosted the 36th Annual Breathe California Clean Air Awards Luncheon in the University Union Ballroom on May 18. University Transportation & Parking Services (UTAPS) was as a silver sponsor for the event, and UTAPS staff and students hosted an information booth at the event featuring Sac State Commute Choices.

UTAPS also hosted Sac State Bike Day in the Library Quad, in conjunction with the Sacramento Transportation Management Association. Read More.

UTAPS Puts Drivers to the Test - New Shuttle Driver Training

Every summer, University Transportation & Parking Services (UTAPS) takes a hands-on approach when it comes to training new student drivers. Students who have met the unit load, GPA and driving record requirements, passed the requisite physical and drug tests, and earned a Class B license, arrive on campus ready to go.

But driving the Hornet Shuttle Express buses requires more than just agility, sobriety, good standing and skill. It requires the ability to professionally handle a variety of situations that could occur. Read More.

Zipcar Expands Commute Choices on Camps

University Transportation and Parking Services (UTAPS) has partnered with Zipcar to bring convenient and sustainable transportation options to students. Started during the fall 2011 semester, two Zipcars were located near the residence halls Sac State alumnus. for student use. These cars will be available 24 hours a day for up to 180 miles per day.

"UTAPS thought it would be a great service to provide to our students," said Gina Lombardo, director of UTAPS. The program is part of a system-wide agreement between the California State University (CSU) and Zipcar. For more information about registering to use a Zipcar, click here. For other alternative commute choices, click here.